Lumeta PowerPly modules are the world's first commercial-scale,
"peel and stick" solar modules. Designed by engineers at California's
leading roofing contractor, the Lumeta Powerply uses industry-standard
roof adhesives compatible with most commercial roofing systems - making
it the easiest-to-install commercial solar module on the market" (via engadget)
Jason Polan plans to sketch every person in NYC.
Design concept by Transparent house.
(via s-nonblog)

The clever SOLO pendant is a lamp made from a microphone. These would be great in a recording studio entrance area or just as a fun accent in the home. Notice the shadows the lamp casts through the mesh - it's a pretty neat effect. SOLO is made by Re-surface Design in Brooklyn, NY by designer Donna Brady.
Continue reading for more images...

These chunky faceted glass rings must be amazing in the light. By Yummi Glass of Italy.
Continue reading for more transparent goodness...

Robert Bradford creates sculptures from toys and toy parts. The mix of colors, shapes and objects make them pure eye candy. I think framed photographs of these engaging sculptures would be a lot of fun for a kid's room.
You can see many more delightful sculptures at his website.
(via momeld)

This photo shows a wood pole with a large crack - stuffed with used cigarette butts. The photo was taken by Libby from Surry Hills, Australia and was found at The Art of Quitting. Smokers hang out near this pole which is near a bar. Since they can't smoke inside, they gather near this pole creating a sort of monument to smoking. Another interesting twist of irony - there is a red sign that says 'No Stopping' on the pole.
Jen Stark's art has been featured and talked about a lot - and for good reason. The paper cutout art she creates from numerous layers of colorful paper are mesmerizing to look at. Although the premise underlying her paper sculpture work is simple enough to make us think 'hey, why didn't I think of that', it's still a signature technique that has become synonymous with Jen Stark's name.
Yet recently she was ripped off. Banana Republic's new store in London featured large-scale replicas of Jen's work with only the colors changed. Since the concept is very simple in premise (can someone actually 'own' the look of folded down circles or diamonds in multiple graduated layers?) It's obvious the window dress designer(s) were aware of Jen's work when creating these installations. How could they have gone ahead with this concept without a trademark lawyer's guidance?
Banana Republic will hear from Jen, that's certain. I am hoping Jen will reach a positive outcome to this situation - we're great fans of her work.
Video by 1st Ave Machine
Bronwen over at theDieline was in Japan recently and came back with some tasty Japanese packaging goodies. This one has got to be the best of the bunch - adorable matchbooks with tiny printed match heads! The pandas are my favorite! Now, we just have to figure out how to get a hold of these.
The Mt. Range is a neat coat hook rack by Brave Space of Brooklyn, NY. They make these from off-cuts of wood. The beauty of the FSC-certified maple layers inside is heightened by the irregular angles, giving the rack a very appealing snow-capped mountain range appearance. I love how this can look like a wall sculpture when not in use, but is actually a very functional coat hook rack in disguise.
Continue reading to see more of Brave Space's work and learn more about them.

Pattern body washes contain no parabens, no artificial fragrances, colors or dyes. Their body washes are packaged in refreshing, simply adorned bottles. One would be great on the ledge in the shower, but line them up for a pretty display (and something to choose from depending on your mood.) I'm curious about how the Black Pepper body wash smells. That should be interesting.
(another good find from Coolhunting)

Nike has introduced several new shoes for various competitive categories at the Beijing Olympics.
The above image shows the Nike TKV shoe developed for taekwondo. This footwear was designed to protect the feet of athletes whose performance may be compromised by injuries in earlier rounds. The design allows for maximum movement while protecting the foot and ankle. One fascinating detail among others is that the protective cushioning material was engineered to make a loud 'clicking' sound upon impact with an opponent. The purpose is to aid in judging so the moment of impact can also be heard - not just seen. I assume this enables more accurate judging.
Continue reading to see some of the other very interesting shoes with a brief description...
(via notcot)

What does FedEx get when an angry customer with a love of typography cross paths? A package bearing a rich tapestry of typographic expression.
(via Quipsologies)

This photo will make any intelligent, thoughtful person stop and think. Great photographs have a way of telling a story while making us see the world in a new light.
Please share your thoughts.
(via Treehugger)

In an attempt to simplify simple health issues (like a cut or a headache), Help Remedies has created friendly packaged remedies to attend to life's everyday boo-boos. The packaging is uncluttered and made from paper pulp, which is 100% compostable (unlike the many-layered full color packaging from mainstream pharma products.) I like the concept behind these, besides the packaging aesthetics, which are an instant sell for me. I think these would make a nice get-well gesture, too.